I currently have an 8, 6, 4, and 1 year old in our home, and Mozart the Wonder Boy has been an inspiration for all of us. We’ve all been enlightened, and we have all broadened our knowledge of the life of Mozart. This is the first book we’ve read in the Great Musicians Series, but… Read More
Hello to all of you who learned this hymn together at the November 2020 conference in central Illinois! This hymn carries words of immense encouragement for the mother. Enjoy using these recordings or downloading the music to play for yourself. Here is a recording in the key of F. Click Here to Download the music… Read More
Hello friends who love to sing!
A few months ago, a sweet friend and I chatted about some possibilities for upcoming Mother Culture evenings. We had two goals in mind. We desired an evening where like-minded moms could gather to enjoy each other’s company. We also desired an evening where our hearts and minds could be enriched. What is something we could do so we could all walk away feeling nourished? Or feeling like we learned something new? Or feeling like we honed a skill we already had?
After brainstorming out a number of ideas, we landed on an evening of folk singing.
What is the depth and breadth of the content to be taught here? What is the order in which the content should be taught for the best learning? These are the questions I’m hoping to clearly answer here.
If it is possible, Mrs. Curwen suggests a beginner student having a short lesson every day. If you are a parent capable of teaching your own child, this is what Mrs. Curwen recommends.
Mrs. Curwen also addresses the weekly piano lesson with a visiting teacher.
Mrs. Curwen has specific instruction for how to start a beginner piano student. She lays out five lessons that she refers to as the Preliminary Course. The child needs to investigate and discover for himself the elementary facts of music.
“Mrs. Curwen’s Child Pianist method is worked out, with minute care, upon the same lines; that is, the child’s knowledge of the theory of music and his ear training keep pace with his power of execution, and seem to do away with the deadly dreariness of ‘practising.'” Charlotte Mason
This is such a common question I receive as a piano teacher.
What does Mrs. Curwen have to say about children taking piano lessons? How old should the child be when they start taking lessons?
“Do tell me who taught you to build your nest,” entreated the thistle, half expecting to give offence, yet wishing to ask the question. But no offence was taken, and the rook, after an instant of grave consideration, replied, “Why, you see, I understand it all, for I am what is called a genius.”